Asian-Style Garlic Tofu

May 6, 2014 by Kaitlin

An Asian-Style Garlic Tofu recipe with flavorful marinade and great served with rice! Easy to prepare and filled with delicious, savory flavor. (Vegan, gluten-free option.)

Fork piercing a piece of Asian Style Garlic Tofu from bowl with rice

This Asian-inspired garlic tofu is so simple, yet filled with flavor.

The tofu marinates in a sticky sweet sauce made with hoisin, garlic, and tamari.

If you're not familiar with hoisin sauce, it is like a thick, flavorful Asian-style BBQ sauce. (Yum!)

The first time I used it was for this Vegetable Lo Mein and knew I had to start working it into more dishes. The flavor and texture is perfect for an easy marinade like this one.

Large bowl of Asian Garlic Tofu cubes with brown rice and green onion

Ingredients for Asian Garlic Tofu

For this recipe you will need:

Extra-firm tofu: Tofu is made from soybean curds and it's rich in protein, calcium, potassium, and iron. I try to purchase organic tofu when possible.
Green onion (scallion)
Toasted sesame oil
Hoisin sauce: This is a thick, richly flavorful sauce that is sweet and salty. The main ingredient is usually fermented soybean paste along with other flavors and spices. Most of the time I use "San-J" brand gluten-free hoisin sauce.
Tamari: Or you can substitute soy sauce, but I use tamari for gluten-free. Be sure to use low sodium if desired. Coconut aminos could also work.
Fresh garlic cloves: You can also include freshly grated ginger for more warmth and flavor.

Garnish: Sprinkle sesame seeds on your bowl before serving if desired!

Asian garlic sauce mixed together in a shallow glass pan with spoon

Tips

Draining the tofu: Before marinating, we'll remove excess liquid from the block of tofu. (This allows the tofu to better soak up the marinade.) To do this, either lightly press it between towels, or use a tofu press if you have one.

Marinating: After tossing the tofu in the garlic sauce, we'll let it chill in the fridge for 30+ minutes. This gives the flavors a chance to absorb into the tofu and intensify. (No problem if you don't have time to marinate, however. The flavors won't be quite as bold, but it will still taste great.)

Tip: Feel free to marinate the tofu longer for a few hours if you'd like!

Tofu cubes tossed in a garlic sauce in a shallow glass pan

Customizing

Sauce flavors: Freshly grated ginger is also a tasty addition to the sauce! Or you can stir in rice vinegar or even pure maple syrup for a touch of added sweetness.

Make it spicy: Sprinkle red chili pepper flakes or sriracha hot sauce to taste before serving.

Serving

We enjoy pairing it with brown rice and broccoli for an easy dinner.

Tip: This tofu is also great with stir-fries, fried rice, or other Asian-inspired meals!

Close up view of Asian-style garlic tofu cubes on brown rice

For more inspiration, also browse all vegan tofu recipes or Asian-inspired recipes.

Asian-Style Garlic Tofu

Tofu marinated in a garlic sauce that's packed with savory flavor! Easy to make and perfect with a side of rice & steamed veggies.

4.84 from 6 votes

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Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 15

Marinating Time: 30

Total Time: 1

Author: Kaitlin - The Garden Grazer

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, Gluten-Free Option, Vegan

Servings: 3 large bowls

Ingredients

14 oz. extra-firm tofu
4 green onions
1 Tbsp. toasted sesame oil
Optional for serving: cooked brown rice, quinoa, noodles, sesame seeds for topping

For the garlic sauce:

1/4 cup hoisin sauce (see notes for gluten-free)
2 Tbsp. tamari (or soy sauce)
2-3 cloves garlic
Optional: freshly grated ginger

Instructions

Remove excess moisture from the tofu by gently pressing it between towels. Then cut it into bite-sized cubes. (I cut mine about 3/4-inch.) Set aside.
Make the sauce: Mince garlic. Then in a shallow pan (I use an 8"x8" glass baking dish) add the three ingredients for the garlic sauce. Stir to combine.
Add tofu cubes to the sauce and gently toss until thoroughly coated. (*Optional: if you have time, cover and refrigerate to marinate for at least 30 minutes or a few hours.)
When ready, cook the tofu: In a large skillet, heat sesame oil over medium heat.
Once oil is hot, carefully add the marinated tofu (with any remaining sauce). Spread out the cubes in a single layer. Simmer and cook without stirring for 5-7 minutes or until lightly seared on one side. Flip, and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
Meanwhile, slice green onions and add to the pan during the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. (Sometimes I add a little more hoisin or tamari if the pan becomes dry. The sauce should almost completely absorb into the tofu however.)
Great served warm over brown rice (and garnished with sesame seeds or more green onions if desired).

Notes

*Marinating: This is optional but recommended. If you don't have time to marinate, the flavors won't be quite as bold, but it will still taste great.

For gluten-free: Use tamari and a gluten-free hoisin sauce. (I use the San-J brand or Wok Mei for a GF hoisin sauce.)

Nutrition: Estimated nutritional content does not include brown rice or sesame seed garnish.

Nutrition Per Serving (Estimate)

Nutrition Facts

Asian-Style Garlic Tofu

Amount per Serving

Calories

180

% Daily Value*

Fat

Saturated Fat

Polyunsaturated Fat

Monounsaturated Fat

Cholesterol

Potassium

309

Carbohydrates

Fiber

Sugar

Protein

Vitamin A

161

Vitamin C

Calcium

Iron

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Sodium: This is omitted as I cannot provide an accurate number. I encourage you to calculate your own to provide a much more precise reading based on the exact ingredients, brands, and amounts you're using.

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If you are enjoying this garlic tofu with Asian-style marinade and rice, also check out:

Easy Baked Tofu
Teriyaki Baked Tofu
Broccoli with Asian-Style Garlic Sauce
Hoisin Peanut Noodles

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Asian-Style Garlic Tofu

Ingredients for Asian Garlic Tofu

Tips

Customizing

Serving